The dementia symptoms that are being mistaken for the menopause

Mood swings could be down to more than fluctuating hormones, claim Alzheimer's experts

25/07/2016

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The menopause can bring with it a range of troubling symptoms, including mood swings and irritability. But experts say putting these changes in personality down to going through the menopause or a mid-life crisis could mean we're sometimes missing early signs of dementia.

So much so, experts from the US Alzheimer's Association have suggested that doctors are made aware of these red flag symptoms, calling them mild behavioural impairment (MBI).

A separate study tracking 282 people with cognitive impairment showed that 82 per cent showed changes in behaviour. For 78 per cent, mood swings were a problem, while 65 per cent struggled with impulse control and 52 per cent apathy. Additionally, 28 per cent displayed social inappropriateness, report researchers from the University of Calgary in Canada at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.

The proposed new checklist describes and helps identify a new clinical stage in dementia, says Dr Maria Carrillo chief science officer at the Alzheimer's Association.

'By looking beyond memory related issues to closely evaluate the behavioural issues included in the checklist, physicians could reach a more efficient and accurate diagnosis sooner,' she said.

Dr James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'The first signs of dementia are often picked up by close family and friends as changes in behaviour and personality and may be more noticeable than subtle alterations in memory.

'Early symptoms of dementia are often missed, and because behavioural changes can be common in mid-life they can often be put down to mid-life crisis, depression or the worried well.

'This new research may help doctors to better understand any early changes in behaviour and should allow them to consider dementia as another potential explanation.

'However, changes in behaviour in mid-life are not uncommon and doesn't always mean dementia.'

If you're worried about your mood swings or those close to you, speak to your GP for help and guidance.